Alternative Names
Auricular Fibrillation;A-fib
Symptoms & Characteristics
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) that involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Normally, the four chambers of the heart (two atria and two ventricles) contract in a very specific, coordinated way. In atrial fibrillation, the atria are stimulated to contract in a very disorganized and abnormal manner, which causes the heartbeat to become fast and irregular.
Left untreated, this abnormal heart rhythm can lead to chest pain, a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest (palpitations), dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting (syncope). Atrial fibrillation also increases the risk of stroke.
Atrial fibrillation can run in families with multiple affected family members, but typically strikes at random with no family history. Recent studies suggest that up to 30% of all people with atrial fibrillation may have a family history of the condition.
Treatment
Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications and procedures aimed at resetting the heart rhythm back to normal, maintaining a normal heart rhythm and preventing blood clots.
If someone notices or experiences any of the signs or symptoms common to atrial fibrillation, it is important to see a doctor.
How Common Is It?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia, affecting more than 3 million people in the United States.
- About 3% to 5% of people over 65 years old have atrial fibrillation.
- About 15% of strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation.
Genetics & Inheritance
Atrial fibrillation is most likely a multifactorial condition, which means it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
- Atrial fibrillation is often related to structural abnormalities of the heart or heart disease. Additional risk factors may include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, a previous stroke, or an accumulation of fatty deposits and scar-like tissue in the lining of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Alcohol abuse (mostly binge drinking) has also been proposed to increase atrial fibrillation risk.
It is currently well established that atrial fibrillation may also run in families. Researchers believe that there are probably a number of genes that affect the development and symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
Familial atrial fibrillation is a genetic condition in which atrial fibrillation appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. A small percentage of all cases of familial atrial fibrillation are associated with mutations in the KCNE2, KCNA5, NPPA and KCNQ1 genes. Other candidate genes and gene areas for familial atrial fibrillation are currently under investigation
Researchers are working to determine the genetic changes that influence susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in people who do not have familial atrial fibrillation. Many of these affected people still have more than one affected family member, however.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are small variations in a single "letter" of DNA that can be found throughout our entire genetic make-up. Some researchers have proposed that specific SNPs may influence susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in some people. Research is currently often limited to specific ethnic groups. Further research is needed to replicate study findings across different ethnic groups and clearly establish associations.
Genetic Testing
Clinical genetic testing for some of the genes that cause familial atrial fibrillation may be available through an in person genetic consultation for people who are considered at risk. Use our find a professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.
Informational genetic testing for atrial fibrillation susceptibility is available online (over the internet). Go to the Tests tab to link to the best providers, compare providers and read provider reviews.
- Some providers offer whole genome scanning, which may include testing for some of the SNPs that have been proposed to influence susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. At this point, many genetic professionals do not consider this testing clinically useful or medically relevant, but for informational purposes only.
A genetic consultation with a trained genetic professional may be beneficial in discussing the benefits and limitations of genetic testing as well as recurrence risk. Use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.
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